HIGH-SPEED PURSUIT OF WILMINGTON ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECTS ENDS IN WHITEVILLE ARRESTS

Whiteville, NC — A fast-moving vehicle pursuit and subsequent foot chase on Monday afternoon led to the capture of two local suspects wanted in connection with an out-of-county armed robbery.

On July 13, 2026, at approximately 3:30 PM, Columbus Central communications alerted local law enforcement that a suspect vehicle linked to an armed robbery in Wilmington was traveling westbound into Columbus County on Highway 74/76.

Within 10 to 15 minutes of receiving the alert, officers with the Whiteville Police Department spotted a vehicle matching the suspect description and confirmed the match using the vehicle’s registration plate. Officers initiated a traffic stop near the 700 block of North Thompson Street.

According to police reports, officers made brief contact with the vehicle’s occupants during the stop before the driver suddenly accelerated, fleeing the scene.

A high-speed pursuit ensued, lasting approximately 1.75 miles before ending near Ward Street. At that point, both the driver and the passenger abandoned the vehicle and attempted to escape on foot. Following a brief foot chase, Whiteville officers successfully apprehended both individuals and took them into custody.

Both suspects were transported to the Columbus County Law Enforcement Center for booking:

• Andre Alexander Freeman, 37, of West Nance Street, Whiteville, was identified as the driver. He has been charged locally with Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Felony Flee to Elude Arrest, and Resisting Arrest. Additionally, Freeman faces outstanding charges of Common Law Robbery and Felony Larceny out of New Hanover County. He is being held under a $26,500.00 bond.

• Marissa Garcia, 34, of Wyche Street, Whiteville, was identified as the passenger. She faces local charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Resisting Arrest, along with New Hanover County charges of Common Law Robbery and Felony Larceny. Her bond was set at $2,500.00.

“I am extremely proud of the work our officers did in responding quickly and professionally after receiving information of a dangerous individual heading towards our City Limits,” Whiteville Police Chief Paul D. Rockenbach said in a statement.

All individuals listed are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Charges and case statuses may change as investigations and court proceedings continue.